14 Confirmed Cases of H1N1 Flu Reported Since Last Friday

Lincoln - Since last Friday’s news release (5-22-09), 14 cases of confirmed novel influenza A (H1N1) have been reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. That brings the total confirmed cases of Nebraska residents to 43. Eight probable cases are pending confirmation.

"The surge in cases is due to the holiday weekend," said Dr. Joann Schaefer, Chief Medical Officer. “I expect that we’ll have cases throughout the summer. Next fall, when the regular flu season arrives, we’ll see whether cases of novel H1N1 increase.”

Today’s report:

*New probable cases: 8

**New confirmed cases since the May 22 news release: 14

The counties, gender and ages of the new probable cases in Nebraska residents are:

Madison

M

5-18

Colfax

M

20s

Colfax

F

20s

Colfax

F

50s

Platte

F

30s

Platte

F

5-18

Platte

M

20s

One probable case is a resident of Florida.

The counties, gender and ages of the 14 new confirmed cases are:

Platte

F

20s

Platte

M

5-18

Platte

M

5-18

Madison

F

5-18

Douglas

F

20s

Colfax

F

60s

Douglas

F

50s

Douglas

F

30s

Madison

F

30s

Madison

F

60s

Madison

F

30s

Madison

F

0-4

Douglas

F

20s

Colfax

F

30s

Advice

If you are moderately to severely ill with a cough, sore throat, fever and body aches (and perhaps vomiting and diarrhea), call your physician. First call the physician’s office and tell staff what symptoms you are experiencing. The physician may want to see you separately from other patients so that you don’t expose them in the waiting room. Your doctor can prescribe an antiviral for you, which will ease your symptoms and possibly shorten the duration of your illness.

For any flu-like illness:

People who are sick should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the virus.

Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.